The new station will be five times larger than the space the department now occupies.

A growing suburban community, Essex has debated a new police building for years.

"We've been in our current facility since the early 80s," said Chief Brad Larose, "We've made due but today's a real good day."

The $6.9 million project is on Maple Street, near the IBM north entrance, and should open next August.

"It's just finally an opportunity for the second-largest community in the state of Vermont to have a police facility that matches the wonderful police department that we have," said Linda Myers, chair of the Essex Selectboard.

The town purchased land from IBM for the building. It will mean the department's uniformed officers and detectives will be able to work under the same roof once again, and includes community meeting space as well.